Ordering Your BC Marriage Certificate

An original marriage certificate is essential when changing names, especially when applying for photo ID, updating the name on your BC Care Card or changing names on your bank account. Religious certificates and commemorative certificates are not always accepted by government agencies. Once your marriage has been solemnised, the person conducting the ceremony will file your completed marriage license with the state. Vital Statistics take up to 2 weeks to process marriages, so your certificate may take up to 2 weeks to be available to order.

If you were married in BC, apply for a marriage certificate from the office of Vital Statistics. You can apply online direct from the BC Vital Statistics website, or else apply by mail using the ‘Application for a Marriage Certificate’ form. Only the bride or groom can apply for their own certificate, or else the bride and groom must provide written permission for a third party to access the form.

Download the form as part of our name change kit using the link below. Marriage certificate fees are payable directly to BC Vital Stats and payment information is on the last page of the form.

Once you have your marriage certificate you can apply to change names everywhere. Prioritize your driver’s license and health care card, which must be done in person. Most banks require you to visit in person with your original certificate. All other companies have a combination of name change procedures; sometimes you need to return a form, send a letter, a fax, call up or visit in person.

Click below to get the name change paperwork for your specific companies. Select who you need to change names with, then we’ll send you their form, or else a ready to send letter or fax if your name change must be done in writing. Otherwise we’ll provide you with the name change procedure so you don’t need to spend hours on hold chasing all the information yourself.